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If you're after glowing, hydrated skin (even if you've been battling winter chill and humidity), hyaluronic acid serums might be your skin's new best friend. Don't let the word "acid" throw you off—this is a super gentle, naturally occurring ingredient that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Translation? It's a major moisture boost for all skin types, even sensitive ones. Add a good HA serum to your routine, pair it with a rich moisturizer, and you'll be on your way to a plump, dewy face all year long.
Experts in This Article
board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York
double-board-certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Arizona
Unsure of where to start? We tapped dermatologists for everything you need to know about hyaluronic acid serums and how to pick the best one for your skin. Shop 14 of the best hyaluronic acid skincare products, ahead.
The best hyaluronic acid serums, at a glance:
- SkinCeuticals Skinceuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan, $120
- Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $6
- Eucerin Immersive Hydration Moisture Boost Serum, $20
- SkinMedica HA⁵ Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator, $192
- Maelove Hydrator Hyaluronic Acid B5 Serum, $33
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found throughout the body, particularly in the skin, eyes, and connective tissues. It plays a vital role in providing hydration and structural integrity to the skin, while also acting as a natural lubricant in our joints. HA is a powerful humectant, meaning it can attract and retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water. “Because hyaluronic acid helps to draw in moisture, it helps with skin hydration and also serves as a way to plump fine lines, wrinkles, and other areas on the face with volume loss,” says Dr. Garshick.
This makes hyaluronic acid a go-to ingredient in skincare products, renowned for boosting hydration, smoothing fine lines, and restoring volume loss for a more refreshed and youthful appearance. Despite its name, hyaluronic acid isn’t an acid in the traditional sense—it’s a gentle, moisture-attracting molecule that’s essential for keeping the skin plump and healthy.
For best results, use a hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin. “After you wash your face or a shower, make sure your skin is damp and apply your hyaluronic acid immediately,” shares Dr. Lal. This will help further hydrate the skin and lock in dehydration.
Shop 14 of the best hyaluronic acid serum products
Skinceuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan
$120
SkinCeuticals' Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan is a standout serum that boosts your skn's hyaluronic acid levels by 30 percent, giving it a plump, hydrated look for 24 hours. Packed with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid and proxylane, it helps improve moisture retention and reduces fine lines over time. "Licorice root and purple rice help support hyaluronic acid, improving overall plumpness and firmness while decreasing sagging," Dr. Garshick says.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, proxylane, licorice root, purple rice
Pros:
- Potent formula
- It contains added ingredients to support hyaluronic acid
- Improves skin’s natural moisture
Cons:
- High price point
- Thick texture
Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum
$5.98
49% off
Don’t let the affordable price fool you—there’s a reason it has over 8,000 glowing reviews and a near-perfect rating on Amazon. Formulated with two types of hyaluronic acid at different molecular weights, it dives deep to deliver long-lasting moisture and leave your skin looking smooth, supple, and well-hydrated. The water-light texture absorbs instantly and layers effortlessly with other products, so you won’t have to worry about pilling.
Key ingredients: Propanediol, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate
Pros:
- Affordable
- Minimal Ingredients
- Fragrance-free
Cons:
- Some users reported the serum made them break out
Eucerin Immersive Hydration Moisture Boost Serum
$20
The Eucerin Face Immersive Hydration Moisture Boost Serum is a game-changer for anyone looking for long-term hydration and smoother skin. Dr. Garshick likes this formula because it is non-comedogenic, won’t clog the pores, and improves the appearance of lines.
Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, butylene glycol
Pros:
- Affordable
- Non-comedogenic
Cons:
- Scent
SkinMedica HA⁵ Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator
$192
This dermatologist-recommended serum is pricey, but it’s a well-loved pick among editors and derms. “I love that this has five types of HA that smooth the skin, thereby decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” shares Dr. Lal.
Key ingredients: 5 forms of HA, avocado oil esters, vitamin F, passion fruit seed oil, vitis flower stem extract, lotus sprout extract
Pros:
- Silicone-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight
- Fragrance-free
Cons:
- High price point
Maelove Hydrator Hyaluronic Acid B5 Serum
$33
This hydrator is a lightweight gel that does more than hydrate. Formulated with panthenol to support the skin barrier and soothe irritation, it delivers a surge of moisture without feeling greasy on the skin. It also has resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against environmental stressors.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, panthenol (vitamin B5), resveratrol
Pros:
- Contains antioxidants
- Fragrance-free
Cons:
- Only available online
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
$9.9
The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a budget-friendly favorite that’s always sold out—for good reason. It combines five types of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, plus ceramides for skin barrier support. Its fragrance-free formula is perfect for all skin types, even sensitive skin, and it layers easily after cleansing and before moisturizing. Reformulated with pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol), it also helps protect the skin from UV rays and dry weather, making it a must-have for long-lasting moisture.
Key ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, panthenol
Pros:
- Affordable
- Minimal ingredients
Cons:
- Sells out frequently
Aloisia Beauty Replenish Hyaluron Peptide Ampoulet
$95
This formula comes highly recommended by Dr. Lal for its seven different forms of hyaluronic acid. Each form has a unique molecular weight, enabling the serum to penetrate various layers of the skin for deep hydration. “It also contains amazing peptides that help soften the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Lal.
Key ingredients: Camellia sinensis leaf water, glycerin, grape fruit extract, 11 peptides (including copper peptides), 7 forms of hyaluronic acid, amino acids
Pros:
- Various forms of HA
- Peptides
- Short ingredient list
Cons:
- Price point
PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum
$128
This serum combines hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid to deliver hydration at all levels—on the surface, deep within the skin, and by stimulating the production of the skin’s own hyaluronic acid. It's also packed with ceramides and niacinamide to smooth and soften the skin, so your face looks and feels plump and rejuvenated.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, HA-Pro complex, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
Pros:
- Dermatologist approved
- Improves skin barrier
Cons:
- High price point
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum and Gel Moisturizer
$19.99
Minéral 89 has been recognized by both the British Skin Foundation and the National Eczema Association for its use of natural-origin hyaluronic acid and Vichy Volcanic Water which, together, deliver long-lasting moisture and help repair the skin barrier. We love that this is a simple, lightweight gel formula that locks in moisture but won't feel sticky on your face.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Vichy volcanic water
Pros:
- Approved by the British Skin Foundation
- Accepted by the National Eczema Association
- Short ingredient list
Cons:
- Thick consistency
Best for sensitive skin: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
$25.99
The texture of this serum feels more like a traditional cream but it melts into skin really nicely. Along with HA, pro-vitamin B5 adds an extra dose of moisture to keep skin feeling soft and smooth all day. And the best part? It’s fragrance-free, making it perfect for sensitive skin without causing any irritation.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin B5
Pros:
- Fragrance-free
- Contains cermides
Cons:
- Thick consistency
La Roche Posay Hyaluronic B5 Serum
$40
This serum plumps the skin, moisturizes the skin barrier, and soothes sensitivity thanks to a blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and prebiotic thermal water. Ideal for mature, sensitive, and acne-prone skin, it also features dimethicone to smooth fine lines, leaving a glass-like finish. Using two types of pure hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, it delivers effective, irritation-free care. Use it alone or under moisturizer for an extra moisture boost.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, glycerin, vitamin B5, dimethicone, La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water
Pros:
- Accessible price point
- Calming
- Works well under makeup
Cons:
- Scented
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Acid Serum
$45
Hyaluronic is the star of this serum, yes. Still, it's also enriched with three antioxidant-rich plum extracts—kakadu, illawarra, and burdekin—to protect against free radical damage and brighten the skin. Dr. Garshick is a fan of its lightweight, gel-like texture, and the formula also includes vegan collagen and silk proteins to support the skin barrier. Ideal for daily use under moisturizer, it delivers deep hydration and works as a perfect makeup primer with its slightly tacky finish, giving skin a radiant, dewy glow.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, kakadu plum extract, vegan collagen
Pros:
- Glowy finish
- Works well under makeup
Cons:
- Fragrance
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
$10
Effective skincare doesn’t have to be expensive, and this serum proves it. Formulated with two percent multi-molecular hyaluronic acid and peptides, this gel-like formula quickly sinks into the skin to plump, firm, and smooth. The combination of high and low molecular weight HA hydrates multiple layers of the skin, while peptides leave your skin feeling bouncy and radiant after just a few uses.
Key ingredients: 2% Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid, Matrixyl 3000 Peptide
Pros:
- Low pricepoint
- Two different kinds of HA
Cons:
- Some users reported to have issues with the packaging
Paula's Choice Boost Hyaluronic Acid Booster
$39
A little goes a long way with just one pump of this gel-like serum which combines hyaluronic acid with ceramides and panthenol to combat dehydration. It’s designed to mix into your favorite serum or moisturizer for an added hydration boost, making it perfect for daily use or whenever your skin needs an extra pick-me-up. It absorbs quickly and is highly effective at improving dryness.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, panthenol
Pros:
- Additional ceremids and plant extracts
- Absorbs quickly
Cons:
- Not a lot of product
What makes a good hyaluronic acid serum?
When choosing a HA serum, look for one that contains both high and low-molecular-weight molecules. This ensures the acid can penetrate different layers of the skin, providing hydration at varying depths. Smaller molecules absorb deeper into the skin, while larger ones remain more superficial. Depending on your treatment goals, a serum with a range of molecular weights can offer more comprehensive benefits. It’s also important to select a serum that’s easy to layer, as applying it before your moisturizer can enhance its effectiveness.
Not all HA serums are created equal—some are lightweight, while others have a thicker, creamier consistency. Dr. Garshick explains, “Those with oily skin may prefer a gel-like, lightweight serum, while those with dry skin might opt for a richer, creamier formula.”
Is there a downside to hyaluronic acid?
HA can be incorporated into almost anyone’s skincare routine as it is safe for all skin types, including those with inflammatory skin conditions. However, Dr. Lal warns against using it on open or wounded skin since the ingredient attracts moisture.
HA is especially beneficial for dry skin, as it helps boost moisture, and its plumping effects make it a great choice for targeting fine lines and wrinkles. Although HA is generally well-tolerated, it’s best to pair it with ingredients that help lock that moisture in for maximum benefits since it draws moisture in.
“One of the beauties of hyaluronic acid is its versatility—it can be mixed with other active ingredients,” touts Dr. Garshick. “Because it is gentle on the skin, it can help minimize irritation caused by other actives while boosting hydration.” So, use a HA product first, then layer other products to lock in that moisture.
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